Sun Skin Care: 12 Tips To Protect Your Skin (PHOTOS)

When it comes to staying safe from the sun’s rays, knowledge is power. Know the facts about how to protect your skin and you’ll be less likely to face wrinkles, brown spots, and skin cancer.

For starters, good sun protection isn’t just about avoiding direct sunlight or hot summer sun. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, up to 80 per cent of ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds or is reflected off snow. Another surprising bit of info: Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean the sun can’t find you -- window glass blocks the UVB light that causes sunburns, but cell-damaging UVA rays still penetrate. The bottom line: Sunscreen is a must, indoors or out, year-round, every day. Here, 12 tips to help you stay sun-safe:

Here are 12 ways to protect your skin from the sun:

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12 Sun Protecting Tips

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Choose a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (some dermatologists recommend 30 or higher). Look for a seal of approval on the bottle.

When shopping, opt for products that specifically say "broad-spectrum UV coverage" on the label (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) or look for one of the following ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), avobenzone (Parsol 1789), cinoxate, methyl anthranilate, octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, oxybenzone, and sulisobenzone. (Scientists and the Food and Drug Administration are currently working on standardizing UVA protection ratings, but as of now, you've got to know what to look for.)

The FDA requires that sunscreens remain effective for at least three years, so that's how long you can expect yours to work at full strength. When in doubt, toss it out.

Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside, and be diligent about reapplying every two hours and always after swimming or "sweaty" activities.

Use a shot glass as your guide -- it takes a full ounce of sunscreen to adequately cover the exposed areas of your whole body, says the American Academy of Dermatology.

Don't forget your neck, ears, nose, hands, and toes, as well as the backs of your arms and legs.

Love your lips by protecting them a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Limit your time in the sun, especially during the middle of the day (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), when the sun is at its strongest.

Remember that water, sand, and snow reflect the sun's rays and increase your risk of sunburn.

Wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses as an added layer of defense. Keep in mind that the sun's rays can penetrate light-coloured and thin fabrics, so opt for darker-hued, tightly woven fabrics or clothing specifically made for sun protection, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts.

Get annual skin checks. Schedule a yearly screening with your dermatologist and alert him or her ASAP if you notice any changes in your moles or any new growths or lesions. Caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable.